Cambridge Technologies

Position Guidelines

JOB TITLE: Diagnostics Tech I CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

DEPARTMENT: Diagnostics DATE REVISED: 05/7/26

SUMMARY 

A diagnostics technician I is responsible for performing accurate and timely extraction of biological samples for diagnostic testing. This role supports laboratory operations by preparing samples for qPCR, PCR, and Sequencing, operating extraction equipment, maintaining quality standards, and ensuring compliance with laboratory safety and regulatory requirements.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

Reports to: Diagnostics Manager

Supervisors: Has no supervisory responsibilities

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform manual and automated extraction of biological samples (such as blood, tissue, bacterin and viral cultures, or swabs) for diagnostic testing
• Prepare, label, and process samples according to standard operating procedures (SOPs), and maintains proper storage of samples post extraction
• Assist with inventory management of reagents, supplies, and consumables
• Maintain laboratory cleanliness, organization, and assumes responsibility for weekly autoclaving and disposal of biohazardous waste generated by the diagnostic lab
• Assists with result reporting for qPCR and sequence analysis as assigned
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory extraction equipment and instruments
• Ensure quality control by following established protocols and documenting results accurately
• Adhere to biosafety, infection control, and regulatory compliance standards (CLIA, CAP, OSHA, etc.)
• Collaborate with laboratory scientists, technologists, and supervisors to support testing workflows
• Identify and report equipment issues, specimen discrepancies, or quality concerns promptly
• Accountable for complying with the company handbook and all policies set by the company and delegated authority
• Performs other duties as assigned

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• The position prefers an associate or bachelor’s degree in Biology, Microbiology, Animal Science, Veterinary Technology or related life sciences with relative experience in animal health. 
• The candidate should be familiar with the principle of veterinary biologics, research and development of biologics, diagnostic assays, vaccine production, quality control and regulatory agencies. 
• The position requires good verbal and written skills, attention to detail, comfort with repetitive tasks, and good manufacturing, laboratory, and clinical practices.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

OTHER SKILL & ABILITIES

Attention to detail. Communication skills - verbal and written. Data collection, management and analysis. Problem analysis and problem solving. Planning and organizing. Judgement. Decision-making. Customer service orientation. Teamwork.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25-40 pounds, with occasional lifting up to 60 pounds. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position will work in a laboratory, research farm, and office setting where they conduct experiments and analyze the results. Technicians and scientists who work with biosafety level 2 organisms must follow appropriate safety procedures.